User manual

Table Of Contents
Chapter 2 | Using FileMaker Pro 14
An invoicing system is an example of a more complex database, with multiple related tables,
multiple layouts, and calculated fields.
You can also view a subset of your data; for example, view only invoices for a particular month. A
database doesn’t just hold information—you use a database to organize and analyze information
so that you understand its significance.
Fields are the basis of a database table. Fields are used to store, calculate, and display the data
you enter into a record. Each piece of information in a record—like name, ID number, and
telephone number—is stored in a field.
A database table contains one or more fields that hold similar information about one subject or
activity. For example, the fields on a record in the Customers table contain address information for
one customer. Tables also define the organization of records based on that table.
A database can consist of one file with one table, which might hold the names, addresses, and
telephone and fax numbers of all your customers. A database can also consist of several files,
each of which can contain one or more tables that, together, contain all the information about
related topics (sometimes called a database system). Using the relational capabilities of
FileMaker
Pro, you can join information between files and tables to create a relational database.
For example, one table can show you which customers bought a particular item and a related table
can show how much they paid.
Invoices table
002
Customer ID
Andre Common
Customer Name
818-555-1234
Phone
Product ID
Product
FB3
Price
Baguette $3.95
FB14 Croissants $9.95
12345
Invoice ID
FB3Product ID
BaguetteProduct
$3.95Price
002Customer ID
Andre CommonName
818-555-1234Phone
Products table
Customers table
34Stock